Within a Half Hour
Tamarack
This is a big, fancy, fun arts and crafts gift store that sells “The Best of West Virginia”. This place features quality ceramics, wood working, homemade toys, stained glass, jewelry, instruments, fine art and more, all beautifully displayed in a cool building. Good food and coffee available, courtesy of the Greenbrier. In Beckley right off the interstate. You can’t possibly miss it for all the signage. 256-6843
Exhibition Coal Mine
Beckley used to call itself “The Town with a Mine of its Own”. The tag line is cheesy but the mine is cool. Get a feel for what coal mining is all about as you ride in your own coal car on the 35 minute underground tour. We love this place and so do our kids. Open seasonally. 256-1747
Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia and Mountain Homestead
Next to the Exhibition Coal Mine you’ll find a re-creation of an old Coal Camp and a small, hands-on museum for kids. There is also a small but fun waterpark next door. 252-3730
Theatre West Virginia
See Hatfields & McCoys, Sweet Honey in the Rock, a civil war drama, or Oklahoma. The outdoor setting adds to the atmosphere. Open seasonally. 256-6800
Movie Theatres
There are none in Fayette County but Beckley has two multi-plexes and a dollar theatre. Showplace Cinema 252-5518. Crossroads Cinema 252-7469. Raleigh Cinema ($1.00 movies!) 253-2825
MacArthur Skating Rink
Big, clean and never crowded. Bring your in-line skates or rent roller skates. It’ll put you in touch with your inner child. 255-7528
Blueberry Hill
This family run you-pick-it blueberry farm is a pleasure. Pack a picnic, load up your family and pick to your hearts content. Blueberry season peaks July/August. The price per pound varies but is always ridiculously low. We froze 30 pounds last year! Located just south of Beckley, not far off the highway. Call first and if they are open, be sure to go! 787-3930